COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE (CLC)

The CLC is a committee, consisting of judges and court administrators, which is concerned about fairness in the courts. The purpose of the CLC is to liaise with community groups and organizations with the goal of increasing judicial awareness and understanding of the communities in which they serve. The committee meets with community groups who as part of their mandate provide assistance to the people entitled to the special protection of s. 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

"Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

When the CLC meets with a community group it discusses the following questions:

How is the court system perceived by the people you represent or work with?

In your experience, is the court system fair?

Are people treated with respect?

If not, how could the court system be improved?

What are the elements of the system that are working well or providing a helpful service?

Do the people in the court system understand the special needs of the people you work with or represent?

What should the judges know about the special needs of the people you work with or represent?

What resources or services does your organization provide for people who are appearing in court?

Do the people you work with or represent understand the legal system?

What do you think can be done to improve their level of understanding?

If your agency or association fits the definition above and would like to receive an invitation to a CLC meeting, to discuss these questions, please write to:

Donna Foulkes
Director, Executive Office of the Nova Scotia Judiciary
The Law Courts
1815 Upper Water St.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 1S7

In your letter, please provide the following details:

1. the name of the association and a name and phone number of a contact person

2. a detailed statement of the mandate or purpose of the group and its history of community involvement

3. a list of the current Executive or Directors

(PLEASE DO NOT E-MAIL THIS WEBSITE)